An awesome introduction to the Katana

VIDEO: Look at this killer time warp vid on the next page showing the capabilities of the katana in a practical use!

The katana is a long sword, with a slight curve, single edged, and have an extremely sharp point. The first katanas were actually a straight edged blade, and single edged. The Japanese later altered the sword style to a curved blade, to allow them to draw the katana more quickly.

The katana had to undergo testing, to determine the quality of the katana. First, the Japanese would bend the katana, to test its elasticity. If the blade of the katana returned to its original form, it was considered a high quality katana. If the blade of the katana were to bend permanently, or break, they katana would be destroyed, and a new one would take its place.

About The Author

Mr Miyagi

Karate Japanese pronunciation: [kaɽate] is a martial art developed on the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It developed from the indigenous martial arts of Ryukyu Islands (called te (手?), literally "hand"; tii in Okinawan) under the influence of Chinese martial arts, particularly Fujian White Crane. Karate is now predominantly a striking art using punching, kicking, knee strikes, elbow strikes and open hand techniques such as knife-hands, spear-hands, and palm-heel strikes. Historically and in some modern styles grappling, throws, joint locks, restraints, and vital point strikes are also taught. A karate practitioner is called a karateka.